UNI dispels SDSU

The South Dakota State wrestling team was decisive early,
but Northern Iowa won nine-straight matches and won 41-3.

Aaron Pickrel opened the dual with a tough win versus Ryan
Jauch at 125 pounds. Pickrel scored a takedown late in the first period and
surrendered an escape. After starting on top, Jauch nearly rode out the entire
second period, but Pickrel added an escape late in the second. Then, Pickrel
did what Jauch could not and rode out the entire third period for a 3-1
decision.

"It is nice for Pickrel to get a win," head coach Chris Bono said. "He is working hard and hopefully he can keep it rolling through the next couple weeks."

The next matches were not as pleasant for SDSU, as UNI won
three-straight matches by pin. The streak put the Panthers on top 18-3. Two of
the three UNI wrestlers were ranked in the top-15 of the NCAA coaches' rankings.

In the 157-pound match, Cody Pack wrestled another ranked
Panther in David Bonin. Bonin, ranked No. 18, scored numerous near falls, built
a lead and scored a 15-2 major decision.

UNI led 22-3 at the intermission.

Joe Brewster opened the second half of the dual versus Jarrett
Jensen at 165 pounds. Brewster and Jensen wrestled tough and were tied 1-1 late
in the second period. Jensen scored a takedown, two points that proved to be
the deciding factor, as Brewster only managed another escape and lost a 3-2
decision.

Unfortunately for SDSU, the momentum did not shift, as the
Panthers won the remaining four matches. UNI scored one decision, two major
decisions and one tech fall in the upper weights.

The results closed out the dual 41-3 in favor of Northern
Iowa.

"The effort was better than last week," said Bono. "Looking at the positives, that is where we head. We need to keep positive, keep building and keep trying."

SDSU dropped to 4-9, while UNI improved to 7-3.

Next up SDSU continues its five-dual homestand versus Utah
Valley. It is SDSU's third Western Wrestling Conference dual this season. Start
time is set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, in Frost Arena.

"The upcoming matches are important," Bono said. "It is conference. We need to win some conference duals to get to the NCAA Championships. We need to come out fighting."

Individual results are available below. Complete play-by-play is available at the beginning of this article.